Daniel hesitated. “She allowed me to misunderstand.”

The judge’s eyebrows lifted. “Is that your legal argument?”

A few people in the gallery shifted. Daniel’s attorney intervened quickly. “Your Honor, our position is that Mrs. Mercer possessed specialized knowledge regarding her own talent and market potential.”

Judge Brooks glanced at the painting photographs. “I imagine most artists possess hope regarding their work. Hope is not an appraised asset.”

Rebecca called Celeste Hart, who explained that no contact with Evelyn had occurred before the settlement was signed and provided emails, scheduling records, authentication reports, and travel receipts showing the entire process began afterward.

Samuel Reid testified next. Daniel’s attorney asked whether he’d known the divorce was pending when he first visited Evelyn.